TORONTO – Accolades continue to pour in after the passing of Canadian television producer and philanthropist Sandra Faire, who died on February 27 in Toronto. No age or cause of death was provided.
Faire began her lengthy career at CBC where she produced a number of award-winning shows, including Rita and Friends and Anne Murray's Family Christmas, plus many variety specials celebrating Canadian artists and culture.
"Sandra stands out as a beacon of our industry, a formidable force in the creation of some of Canada's finest productions”, said CBC/Radio-Canada president and CEO Catherine Tait, in a statement. “She will be missed."
Faire was also a studio director with CTV News’ investigative program W5, and eventually founded her own production firm, Sandra Faire & Associates, which produced programming primarily for CTV and The Comedy Network, including including So You Think You Can Dance Canada, Comedy Inc., and Comedy Now!.
“Passionate, creative, and generous, Sandra Faire was fiercely supportive of Canadian talent in arts and entertainment," added Bell Media president Randy Lennox, in a statement. "She was a trailblazer for women in film and television whose commitment to excellence helped set the standard for production in this country.”
A story on CTV News said that Faire was also a member of the National Ballet of Canada’s board of directors, and that along with her husband, former CTV exec Ivan Fecan, made numerous donations to Canadian organizations and institutions, especially those involved in arts and education.
“Sandra was a highly respected contributor to the Canadian production community, whose creativity and passion set the standard”, Rogers Media president Rick Brace said in a statement. “A trailblazer for women, she was a driving force and had a special place in the industry. I had the pleasure of working with Sandra for many years, and she will be deeply missed.”
The Canada Media Fund described Faire as an outstanding leader in Canada’s audiovisual industry and a passionate advocate for the Canadian creative sector.
“At each stage of her stellar career, Sandra left her indelible mark in helping to build the Canadian audiovisual sector,” said CMF president and CEO Valerie Creighton. “A role model for women in the industry, her work has inspired future generations of women producers. We offer our most sincere condolences to her husband Ivan Fecan, their family, and all who were close to her.”
